Introduction
The Chicken Spinach Bread Bake Strata is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and hearty bread, all baked to perfection. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. With a creamy custard base, each slice serves up a burst of flavor, making it a favorite among family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken breast – 2 cups, cooked and shredded
Fresh spinach – 2 cups, chopped
Bread – 4 cups, cubed (preferably crusty bread)
Eggs – 4 large
Milk – 2 cups
Cheese – 1 cup, shredded (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Pepper – ½ teaspoon
Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
Onion powder – ½ teaspoon
Prep Time
The preparation for this dish takes approximately 20 minutes. During this time, you’ll need to gather your ingredients, prepare the chicken and spinach, and cube the bread.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time for the Chicken Spinach Bread Bake Strata is around 45 minutes, allowing the dish to cook through and develop its flavors. In total, the time from start to finish is about 1 hour and 5 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Bread
Take 8 slices of stale bread and cut them into cubes. If the bread isn’t stale, you can lightly toast it in the oven for about 10 minutes until it’s dry.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Spinach
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add 4 cups of fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Mix the Eggs and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar). Add salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients
Add the bread cubes, cooked chicken, sautéed spinach, and half of the cheese mixture into the egg mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the combined mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
Add Remaining Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the bread mixture.
Bake the Strata
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the strata is puffed up and golden brown on top.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the strata cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
Stale Bread
If you don’t have stale bread, toasting it in the oven works well to achieve the desired texture.
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to substitute or add other ingredients like different vegetables, herbs, or cheese according to your preference.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Cook techniques
Layering Ingredients
Carefully layer the spinach, chicken, and bread to ensure even distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
Soaking the Bread
Let the bread soak in the egg mixture to absorb moisture, resulting in a tender texture when baked.
Baking Time
Bake at the recommended temperature until the top is golden brown and the center is firm, ensuring the strata is cooked through.
Resting
Allow the dish to rest after baking, which helps firm up the strata for easier slicing and serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can substitute with other types of bread, but ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the mixture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the strata ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Is this dish suitable for leftovers?
Absolutely, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated successfully.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables to customize the recipe to your taste.
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can use cooked turkey, sausage, or even omit meat for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion
The Chicken Spinach Bread Bake Strata is not only a delightful dish that brings together robust flavors and textures but also an easy-to-make meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or any gathering. Its versatility allows for variations based on personal preferences or what’s available in your pantry. Serve this strata warm and watch it become an instant favorite with family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable and Cheese Strata
Swap chicken and spinach for your choice of seasonal vegetables and a blend of cheeses for a delightful vegetarian version.
Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Bake
Incorporate smoked salmon and tender asparagus spears for a sophisticated twist on the traditional strata.
Mushroom and Goat Cheese Strata
Substitute chicken with earthy mushrooms and tangy goat cheese for a rich and flavorful meal.
Sweet Potato and Sausage Strata
Combine roasted sweet potatoes with sausage and cheese for a hearty brunch option that’s sure to satisfy.
Herb and Tomato Frittata
Use the same base but transform it into a frittata by mixing fresh herbs and diced tomatoes for a summer-inspired dish.
Chorizo and Bean Bake
Add spicy chorizo and black beans for a robust, flavor-packed strata that pairs well with a side of avocado.